Fresh Fairways

Colorado’s plentiful sunshine, meager rainfall, and varied terrain would suggest the state is an ideal location for world-class golf courses. And it is, being home to the likes of Cherry Hills Country Club, the Broadmoor Golf Club, and Red Sky Ranch and Golf Club. But those courses aren’t exactly new. In fact, the Centennial State hasn’t seen a ground-up golf course development in nearly a decade. That’s about to change. TPC Colorado, a par-72 championship course built on the edges of Lonetree, McNeil, and Welch reservoirs in Berthoud, will open to the public next month. The semi-private course (rounds start at $150) and clubhouse represent phase one of the master-planned Heron Lakes community, which will eventually include 1,200 homes, a community center, a pool, a fitness facility, a restaurant, and a lakefront beach club. TPC Colorado’s 18 holes—set to host the PGA’s Web.com Tour for five years, beginning in 2019—were designed by Art Schaupeter in the traditional Scottish links style (sod-wall bunkers, in-and-out play, limited water hazards, few trees). At 773 yards, the 13th hole will be the longest in Colorado. “Every hole has a spectacular view,” says Larry Collins, TPC Colorado’s general manager. “The mark of a good golf course is when you play it for the first time and you drive home, you can remember every hole. This golf course has that.”